LEADERSHIP TEAM

Mike Kelley, owner of Aqualani has more than 45 years of experience with luxury resort hotels, beach and pool service management, concierge and ocean recreation operations. He started on Maui in 1977 with the launch of Beach Activities of Maui. In 2017, Aqualani was formed and has now become the largest pool and ocean recreation services company in Hawaii with over 18 resort locations and a diversified staff of over 240.

As he built the company into the organization it is today, Kelley also helped design the pool and beach facilities for nine major resort hotels throughout Hawaii. Working through pre-construction to opening he coordinated layout of facilities, service deliveries, area concepts, staffing and budget guidelines. In addition to resort pool, beach and concierge services Kelley has started other successful operations including The Spa at Black Rock, Teralani Catamarans and Ka’anapali Surf Club.

Kelley served for four years on the International Board of Directors for Young President's Organization and chaired the global events committee for three of those years. He is also a past Maui County Small Business Person of the Year as designated and honored by the United States Small Business Association, twice selected as a finalist for Ernst and Hawaii Young Entrepreneur of the Year and was recognized for Retailer of the Year award from the Hawaii Retail Merchants Association.

Mike and his wife Olinda have 2 daughters, two Cavapoo dogs and a Somali cat.

Alexis oversees all financial operations within Kelley Group of Companies and its various entities, including: Aqualani, Teralani Sailing Adventures, Kaanapali Surf Club and Spa at Black Rock.

With over 15 years of experience in Finance and Accounting, Alexis began her career in public accounting with Moss Adams LLP and made the move into the private sector as part of management teams for both private and public companies.

Born and raised on Maui, Alexis returned to the island in 2015, and joined Kelley Family of Companies as Controller. In the 6 years since, she has proved to be an integral part of the company’s growth. Alexis attended Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, CA and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting. Alexis enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.

Brandon brings over 20 years of luxury hospitality experience to the Kelley Family of Companies. A Maui native and graduate from UH Manoa's School of Travel Industry Management, he spent 15 years with the Four Seasons Hotel group traveling the world with appointments in Beverly Hills, Singapore, and then back to Maui in 2019. After 3 years as the Director of Rooms at the Four Seasons Maui, Brandon joined the Proper Hotel group as General Manager for a 15 room boutique hotel, restaurant, and ocean front wedding/event venue. Brandon prides himself on providing exceptional guest service, innovative thinking, meaningful cultural experiences for guests, and supporting the development of his teams.

Outside of work, you can find Brandon on the pickleball court, golf course, or active with the University of Hawaii where he's served as a guest lecturer, mentor for students, and sits as a board member for the Shilder College of Business Alumni Association.

Philip has been with Auqalani since 2012 and has extensive knowledge of our operation having held multiple roles throughout the years. Philip joined as a Recreation Services Director at the ever busy Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas. After two successful years it was time for Philip to take on the company's flagship property, the Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa. At the Sheraton Philip supported the expansion of Aqualani's operations to include an entirely new Alii deck for VIP cabana services, implementation of online reservations systems, and complete renovation for all poolside facilities. Naturally, Phil was promoted to Senior Recreation Director SBR (South of Black Rock) where he collaborated with the Aqualani General Manager and Ka'anapali Surf Club Director for input and recommendations at 4 resorts located on the south side of Ka'anapali Beach. Now as the Director of Operations, Philip has oversight of all the day to day operations working closely with the Aqualani Directors at each property. Phil's hands on approach, thorough knowledge of our product, and tenacity to get things done are just a few of the reasons we are lucky to have Philip as our Director of Operations.

Philip has two daughters (Gabi 14, Harlee 5) and is happily married to his wife Alexis.

With over 20 years in the boating and marine industry Blake brings a tremendous degree of background and knowledge to his role leading all of Teralani Catamaran operations. For 17 years he held numerous positions with Pacific Whale Foundation. Starting as deck hand and later purser Blake worked through all aspects of the organization to eventually become Chief Operating Officer. He was instrumental in guiding the companies’ seven vessels and growth into multiple new markets. Having worked at an early stage of his life as a commercial diver and then gaining his captains license Blake is familiar with all aspects in, on and under the water.

Originally from Tennessee Blake graduated from Middle Tennessee State and still has family there. He’s married to his wife Kim who’s from Switzerland. They have two children Emmi and Luke.

As Regional Director, Brett is responsible for overseeing all guest services at three Waikiki, Oahu beachfront locations and the company’s new Kauai location.

Prior to moving to Hawaii in 2013 Brett was in the music and radio promotions business in Santa Monica, California. He also was Executive Vice President at Hitmakers Magazine and Hot Sheet Publishing. His formal education is in communications and audio engineering and he studied at Pierce College and UCLA. In his spare time, Brett enjoys spending time with his wife Nancy and their daughters Lyla and Ava.

Jeff has over 15 years experience with resort recreation beach and pool management. After a decade in a similar recreation position with Four Seasons Wailea Jeff joined Aqualani as Manager for operations at the 760 room Westin Maui Resort and Spa. Following a complete property reimagination including new pool areas and pool area facilities.

Jeff was promoted to Resort Recreation Service Director at Aqualani’s Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villa location. Jeff leads a team of 10-12 associates each day delivering incredible service and aloha. As Senior Recreation Director Jeff collaborates with the Aqualani General Manager as needed for input and oversight for 4 resorts on the North side of Ka’anapali Beach.

Jeff is married to Rochelle and has a 17 year old daughter, Ashlyn who is an in-line hockey star.

As Dual Complex Director of Ocean Activities, Delana is responsible for the oversight of our Marriott Ocean Club and Hyatt Regency Resort operations and works closely with the Ka'anapali Surf Club. This includes retail sales, ocean activity bookings, water sport tours and rentals, and ensuring all our guests have an amazing experience. Delana's fierce attention to detail, nurturing team building, and drive to promote sales are just a few of her strengths that position her well in the role here with us. Prior to this role Delana led the Aqualani team at our Westin Nanea property where she joined in the early part of 2023.

In Delana's spare time you can find her out on the water sailing, enjoying a day at the beach, or watching the sunset.

Haley has been in the beauty business since she was 14, starting out as a receptionist and has worked her way up to management. Prior to The Spa at Black Rock she managed a local Hair Salon and Day Spa for almost 9 years, along with other Salons and Spas throughout her career. She has a passion to connect and build not just a great team but an Ohana within her work environment.

Born and raised in Vail, Colorado, Haley moved to Maui with her then, 5 month old daughter Avery in 2012. She had been visiting Maui since she was young and had always dreamed about living on the Island. In her free time, she enjoys fishing, camping, spending time at the beach with friends and family.

Captain Rod Nichols has deep roots in the maritime world, starting as an HT2 - E5/Small Boat Coxswain in the US Navy. Transitioning to civilian life, he honed his skills at Hornblower Cruises and Events before serving as a delivery Captain with RPM in Tampa, FL. Rod then joined The Walt Disney Company as a Captain before overseeing ship operations at American Cruise Lines in Connecticut.